BacillaFilla is a genetically engineered strain of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis which was developed by a group of students at Newcastle University in 2010 in order to repair cracks in concrete as part of an International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.
The bacteria would be released as spores which would germinate upon coming into contact with the pH of concrete. Upon germination, the bacteria would descend into cracks in the concrete. The bacteria use quorum sensing to determine when enough bacteria have accumulated, triggering production of a mixture of calcium carbonate and a "bacterial glue", which combines with the bacterial cells to fill the crack. This mixture hardens to be as strong as the surrounding concrete.
Prolonging the life of concrete could reduce CO2 emissions derived from concrete production.
See also
References
- ^ Clay Dillow (2010-11-16). "Engineered Bacteria Can Fill Cracks in Aging Concrete". Popular Science. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
- "Press release: Cracks in your concrete? – You need 'BacillaFilla'". Newcastle University. 2010-11-12. Archived from the original on 2010-11-15.
- "Genetically Modified Bacteria Can Fix Cracked Concrete | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building". Inhabitat. 2012-03-26. Retrieved 2013-06-12.